BlackBerry launches new Android device, the super-secure DTEK50

BlackBerry has just launched its new Android smartphone, the DTEK50, a 5.2-inch device with a 13 megapixel camera, running on a Qualcomm 8952 with 64 bit Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 and Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 (Snapdragon 617 Octa-Core, 64 bit) processors plus 3GB of RAM. Unlike the high-end PRIV launched last year, the DTEK50 has an on-screen keyboard and runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It also has a quick-charge enabled 2610 mAh 4.4V non-removable Lithium Ion battery that's capable of  50% charge in 51 minutes.

DTEK50 encrypts all users’ information, including business critical data and personal data such as pictures, videos and contacts. Malware protection is also built-in along with back-up, wipe and restore capabilities. Additional software provides users with visibility and control over which apps get access to personal info or device features such as the microphone or camera. BlackBerry also delivers security patches on the same day that Google publicly releases information about them, which isn't the case with most other Android OEMs.

Starting today, DTEK50 is available to pre-order from ShopBlackBerry.com in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and The Netherlands for $299 USD. DTEK50 will be available in a number of channels around the world, including more than 40 partners from electronics stores, carriers, VARs and distributors. This includes Rogers, Bell, TELUS, WIND, Videotron and SaskTel among others in Canada. In the U.S., DTEK50 will initially be available in Best Buy, B&H and Amazon. Availability of DTEK50 in additional global channels and countries will be announced in the coming weeks.